On a more theoretical note we had the possibility of a proof that P=/NP ( Proof of P≠NP? ). An idea that didn't have earth shattering practical repercussions but the level of interest it provoked was enough to suggest that computer science in its purest form isn't dead yet. As it turn out the proof had flaws and while there is still a hope that the approach might lead to a proof in time for the moment the question is still open. (Update on the Proof of P≠NP?)

On the web the biggest noise was, of course, Facebook. First the smash hit movie The Social Network raised its profile and that of its founder to the point where Zuckerberg was named Time person of the year. Second the range of controversies generated by what Facebook was doing with users data to generate an income.

For programmers though the terrible times that Digg 4 had was more interesting if painful to watch. Remember - never ever roll out a new version unless you can roll it back again. Digg 4 is still best described as a buggy mess - terrible shame.